Using physical therapy as treatment for pain

April 17, 2019

Long-term pain, also known as chronic pain, can be treated through the use of physical therapy - in fact, physical therapy might be your best option at treating this type of pain. Most of the time you will need a recommendation from a doctor to see a physical therapist, but it can definitely be worth asking your doctor for one. We’ve put together our top reasons as to why you should consider investing in physical therapy treatment for your chronic pain.

How does physical therapy treat pain?
Pain doesn’t always originate from where you think it does, and that’s why physical therapists are going to treat the source of the pain. Participating in physical therapy will help with joint and soft tissue mobilization and provide treatments that help to relieve pain, restore muscle, and get your body back on track to feeling better.

Physical therapists are experts in treating the body - not only can they help you identify the pain but they can help you treat it through a series of exercises. These exercises might include low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, or stationary bike exercises.

Physical therapy might also treat pain through the use of stretching, or body-weight strengthening exercises. The point of physical therapy is to treat your pain through the use of exercises and to get your body moving. In many cases your physical therapists will also prescribe exercises to complete at home - be sure to do these as prescribed to assist with pain.

What should I expect?
Before your appointment check with your physical therapist to see if there is anything special or out of the ordinary you should be prepared for and check with your insurance company to see how much is or isn’t paid for. Be ready to discuss when your pain started, how it has intensified, if it has spread, and what mobility issues you might be having. You will most likely be moving around a lot in your first appointment as your physical therapist identifies your current issues, so make sure to wear clothing that is easy to move around in and be active in. In addition to exercises, be prepared that your physical therapist might utilize other tools such as a heating or ice pack, ultrasounds or even a massage.

Will it be painful?
The answer to this is complicated, but not in the way you think. Physical therapy will not be painful, but it might be challenging or uncomfortable. Physical therapy is designed to help your body heal and get stronger, so push yourself! Your physical therapist will never put you through anything that will harm you.

Tired of dealing with chronic pain? Or are you just looking for new ways to help improve your strength or mobility? Contact us today to let us know what’s bothering you. Our team of professionals will implement a safe, effective, and reasonably-priced treatment plan that will have you living better, whether that means sleeping more soundly or getting through your work day without pain. Patients across Wyoming and Western Nebraska have relied on North Platte Physical Therapy for their pain prevention and physical recovery needs for years.